Norwegian Pick-Up Bandweaving, Heather Torgenrud

A deeply researched and beautifully illustrated guide to pick-up band weaving—a tradition of intricate, narrow woven bands from rural Norway. The book unfolds in three parts: first, a historical overview of how bands were used in 18th- and 19th-century rural communities for practical and ceremonial purposes (stocking bands, swaddling bands, sending bands, etc.). Part two tracks how these weave traditions were carried to America by Norwegian immigrants, shedding light on how materials, colour palettes, and patterns were adapted. The final section gives weavers clear and practical instructions for weaving pick-up on traditional band heddles (with notes for adapting to other looms), alongside over 100 pattern charts drawn from museum pieces.

This is more than just a “how-to”: it’s a cultural portrait as well. Vintage photos, regional examples, and detailed context illuminate how the craft was lived—everyday wear, folk costume, and immigrant experience. The visual layout balances technical detail with folk aesthetics, making the book a treasure for textile historians, weavers, and anyone drawn to the quiet power of bandweaving.

About the Author
Heather Torgenrud is a master weaver and dedicated scholar of Norwegian weaving traditions. She has been weaving pick-up bands for over forty years, teaching classes (including at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum), and writing articles for Handwoven magazine and the Norwegian Textile Letter. Her personal journey—beginning with self-taught weaving, then collecting and documenting museum bands—imbues the book with both scholarly authority and maker’s passion.

Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
Pages: 176
ISBN: 9780764347511